The Orioles are dealing with a tough stretch of injuries, especially within their pitching staff. However, their two marquee free-agent signings are still stepping up and doing everything possible to impact the team as they head into 2025.
Many Orioles fans have criticized the signings of Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, arguing that GM Mike Elias took the easy route instead of finding a real replacement for Corbin Burnes this offseason. That concern could prove valid, especially with Grayson Rodriguez starting the year on the IL and his overall health remaining uncertain.
However, both Morton and Sugano have impressed in spring training so far, providing a welcome boost for Orioles fans who are anxiously watching Rodriguez’s health and waiting to see if Félix Bautista will begin the season on the IL.
Morton and Sugano have each appeared in three games so far, combining for a flawless performance with zero runs allowed. Morton has pitched six scoreless innings, recording five strikeouts, one walk, and just four hits. Sugano has been equally impressive, tossing seven shutout innings with seven strikeouts and two walks. In his latest outing against the Twins on Sunday, Sugano was dominant, striking out five over three hitless, walk-free innings.
Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano set to lead the Orioles to success in 2025
While it’s true that Morton and Sugano have performed well so far, the reality is that they will be key pieces of the Orioles’ 2025 rotation. If the team hopes to make a serious push, both pitchers will need to shoulder a heavy workload. That hasn’t exactly reassured much of the fanbase, but Morton has a strong track record of success in MLB, and Sugano was one of Japan’s top pitchers throughout his career.
Morton may be a few years past his peak, but even at 41, he has remained a dependable and effective starter. Over the past four seasons, he has logged at least 160 innings each year while posting a solid 26.6% strikeout rate and a 3.87 ERA. Remarkably, he has only made one trip to the IL in that span. If he can stay healthy, Morton has a real chance to be the No. 3 starter the Orioles need, playing a key role in their postseason push.
Like Morton, Sugano has been both effective and dependable for several years. He’s coming off a strong season in which he logged 156.2 innings with a stellar 1.67 ERA. Known for his elite command, Sugano hasn’t posted high strikeout numbers but has consistently maintained one of the lowest walk rates among his Japanese peers. So far, he appears to be settling into the Orioles’ rotation smoothly. With the team counting on him to perform, there’s plenty of hope that he can deliver this season.
